I wouldn't have him in the 22 for the Lions series, but I'd have him in the wider squad. I think there's enough experience at the moment and it's a big Test series. He may well make the 22, but I think he will benefit from just being around the squad for that period of time. Robbie (Deans) might pick a squad of 25 or 26 so there's every chance that Israel might squeeze into that. I'd pick Digby Ioane and James O'Connor (on the wings). I don't think he (Deans) will do that, but that's what I reckon he should do.

Obviously we know what a physical talent (Folau) is, having played for the Melbourne Storm (and Brisbane Broncos) and then going to the AFL and now rugby. He's improving from week to week, he's scoring tries and creating tries and is fantastic in the air and I expect that Australia will use him. I tend to think they will use him as a kicking option to receive the ball in the air. He's definitely a player we can keep an eye on and we're expecting him to be named in the squad. I presume from a political and a commercial point of view he's a player that Australia want to encourage to stay in the game and not to go back to league as well. I think he's good for the game, someone of that profile, and hopefully he stays in union.

GREG MARTIN - Former Australian fullback and Fox Sports commentator

Yes, they should pick him. We need his size to combat the likes of George North, Manu Tuilagi (and) Jamie Roberts or we will get knocked around. They've got the potential to go with an enormous backline and we are pipsqueaks in comparison. After they do some damage in the middle they go wide and guys like North are just rampaging. If the Lions want to go aerial, we can compete and do the same thing to them with Israel. I don't doubt James O'Connor's defence but I think he might be better coming off the bench. I'm figuring that Quade will be at flyhalf so I'd rather start with Folau on the wing ahead of O'Connor. I'd have Jesse Mogg at fullback and Folau and Digby on the wings.

EWEN MCKENZIE - Reds director of coaching

I don't know what the selection mix is. It's going to be hard to pick. There's no doubt there will be injuries and it's going to come down to how the Wallabies want to play. He's had a difficult start but definitely improved. He's showing a lot of instincts about where to be position-wise. There's no question about his skills, he's got great running skills and evasive skills and he can catch the ball. It's more about having the instincts to be in the right place at the right time. It sounds simple but that's reality.

TOUTAI KEFU - Former Wallabies forward who played the 2001 series against the Lions

I think they should pick him. There's a real X-factor about him at the moment. I think he's good enough. He beats that first defender enough times so if he gets enough ball, he can do some damage. There's no real structure to him and that can work in Australia's favour. He can beat his man a number of different ways, he can beat them on the outside, inside, in the air or he can run over the top of them.

DAVID CROFT - Former Wallabies and Reds flanker

I think starting him would be a risk. This series is a real baptism of fire, not just a normal Test match. If it was a match against Argentina or Italy you wouldn't hesitate. This is against a powerful, well-prepared side who could exploit any weaknesses he might have. It's not a development tour. Israel struggled initially but has really improved. This is another step up. He does have that X-factor and the Wallabies could do with a weapon like him who can break the line. It's a high risk, high reward option. He's shown he's good enough so I'd have him in the mix for sure, probably on the bench.

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